San Luis Obispo Business
December, 1999

Committee Roundup

The Legislative/Economic Action Committee, chaired by Dave Cox, successfully created a new and dynamic format with interactive, monthly luncheon meetings. Committee members were educated on local issues ranging from new eight-hour overtime laws to the Santa Margarita Ranch project. Members also met with local representatives including City Council members, Senator Jack O'Connell, Assemblyman Jack O'Connell and Congresswoman Lois Capps.

The Legislative Issues Evaluation Committee, chaired by Jeff Buckingham, took positions on local, state and federal issues that affect the local business community. Committee members were successful in getting an increase in the federal per diem rate for the local lodging industry, advocating for the acquisition of additional open space in San Luis Obispo, and advocating for the Marsh Street Parking Structure.

The Parking and Access Task Force, chaired by Pierre Rademaker, successfully advocated for the expansion of the Marsh Street Parking Structure and encouraged the policy of putting existing surface parking lots in the downtown area to better and higher uses, keeping in line with ideas outlined in the Downtown Concept Plan.

The Economic Development Committee, chaired by Jack Penrod, produced a status report on the Chamber's Six Point Strategy outlined in its Economic Vision Document. The committee also partnered with the Economic Vitality Corporation in conducting business retention surveys, advocated for and participated in workshops regarding the Annexation of the Airport Area and tirelessly advocated for additional air service to Sacramento and San Jose.

The Water Task Force, chaired by Pierre Rademaker, has worked to enhance relations with the North County on the sensitive water issue. The Committee also continued advocating for the adoption of the Water Reuse Program and encouraged the continued efforts by the City to pursue both the San Luis Dam Expansion and Nacimiento Water Project.

The Tourism Council, chaired by Bob Griffin, dealt with several issues relating to San Luis Obispo's lucrative tourism industry. The Committee examined the federal per diem rate issue and instigated the Chamber's involvement, encouraged better media and community relations at Hearst Castle, discussed the Governor's union hotel policy and produced a new San Luis Obispo logo which is now featured on t-shirts sold in the Visitors Center.

The Diversity Council, chaired by Anita Robinson, succeeded in gathering diversity information on the Chamber's membership through a survey they created. The results from the survey will be used to further educate members on the value of diversity.

The Education Partnerships Committee, chaired by Dave Juhnke, successfully bridged the gap between the education and business communities by creating a new web site, www.education2career.net and hosting the first-ever Education Recognition Awards event to honor business-savvy teachers. Committee members continue to strengthen relationships with all levels of education by increasing advocacy and outreach.

The Ambassadors Committee, chaired by Rafael Alvarez, worked to get members involved in the Chamber in an effort to make them aware of the benefits of being a member. Committee members contacted all new members to welcome them into the Chamber, visited all second year members and called all third year members to talk to them about their membership.

The Small Business Assistance Task Force, chaired by Lee Ferrero, hosted four "Coffee Talk" seminars geared toward small businesses. The Committee also surveyed Chamber members asking them which topics they would like to see featured at future "Coffee Talks" and implemented a Small Business column in the newsletter.

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